Lexus Announces Pricing on 2007 ES 350 Luxury Sport Sedan

"We believe the new ES 350 is better in virtually every way than our original LS flagship sedan," said Lexus Group Vice President and general Manager Bob Carter. "It’s faster, more powerful and quieter than the vehicle that redefined the prestige luxury segment in the early 1990s."

The ES 350 features a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 272 horsepower and 254 lb.-ft. of torque. It is substantially quicker than the model it replaces, with an estimated zero-to-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds. Electronically controlled sequential fuel injection optimizes the fuel mixture and creates a precise burn, higher output and lower emissions to aid drivability and lend substantial improvements in engine efficiency with increased power and improved fuel economy.

A front-wheel-drive vehicle, the ES 350 features a six-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) and sequential shift. Dual exhaust is standard, reducing exhaust backpressure at high rpm, and it has segment-leading efficiency. The ES 350’s manufacturer-estimated combined fuel consumption is 25 mpg (21 mpg city/30 mpg highway) and Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV II) certification is anticipated.

Additionally, the new ES 350 offers owners such standard safety features as Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC), an electronic traction-control system that uses both throttle and brake intervention to help control wheel spin, as well as eight standard airbags, or 10 with the optional rear seat side airbags. For 2007, the ES gains new knee airbags for the driver and front passenger, as well as a twin-chamber front passenger airbag. Side-curtain airbags couple with front seat-mounted airbags and the optional rear-seat side airbags, all designed to help offer additional crash-energy management for the front- and rear-seat occupants.

The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) in the new ES also includes variable-force front airbags for both driver and front passenger. Sensors determine the severity of the accident and in turn the force with which to deploy the front airbags, helping to provide an appropriate level of occupant restraint. Rear seat side airbags are offered optionally.

The ES 350 includes front side windows equipped with a water-repellant surface to help to bead rainwater, a rear back-up camera as part of the available navigation package, as well as the first-ever intelligent Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), which allows both right and left front headlamp bulbs to swivel simultaneously to help illuminate a turn or curve as the driver steers into it.

The redesigned ES makes standard a long list of luxury features such as SmartAccess keyless entry, new push-button ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power front seats with available memory, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with an integrated digital compass, and heated exterior mirrors. Additional standard luxury features include a sliding center console, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a one-touch power moonroof, and an illuminated entry system that lights the exterior with puddle lamps and the interior cabin foot wells. Standard cloth seats are also available in leather trim and extra-soft upgraded perforated leather trim for additional comfort. The three-spoke steering wheel features easy-to-use controls for the audio system, trip computer and multi-information display, as well as a voice-control switch for the available Bluetooth(R) and navigation features. Additionally, the ES 350’s integrated Homelink(R) transmitter can control a variety of compatible home-security devices and systems.

An enhanced standard premium audio system brings an in-dash, six-disc CD-changer, MP3/WMA player or iPod connectivity, and an additional speaker to the 2007 ES. The system also includes an Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL) to maintain consistent sound levels at varying vehicle speeds. Also available: The newest generation Mark Levinson(R) Premium Surround Sound audio with a 7.1-channel speaker architecture, 10 channels of amplification with a total of 300 watts at 0.1 percent Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) and 14 speakers. The optional and newly upgraded fifth-generation Lexus DVD Navigation System offers eight million points of interest (POI).

The ES 350 features a more than two-inch longer wheelbase and more than an inch wider track, lending a confident stance. Its long hood, pulled-back cabin and short rear deck are characteristic of the new L-finesse design theme recalling classic sports car proportions with a contemporary look unique to all new-generation Lexus sedans. It also provides increased rear legroom and a characteristic roomy driver- and front-passenger compartment.

On the ES 350, Lexus offers for the first time an optional Panorama Glass Roof, which creates an xpansive feeling of openness for interior passengers and extends over the entire passenger cabin. A manual interior shade is provided for the front and rear passenger compartments.

The interior boasts premium wood, polished metal and leather accents-luxury accoutrements never before seen in the entry luxury segment-while the cabin is complemented by intelligently designed displays and controls and bright, clear Optitron gauges combined with smartly integrated metallic and authentic brown walnut.

With improved value, competitive pricing and features previously unavailable in the entry-luxury segment, the all-new 2007 Lexus ES represents the best value in its segment.

Credit: Lexus USA